Orioles vs. Rays post-game notes and a scary situation

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Despite taking a three-run lead into the seventh inning, the Orioles had their second 10-inning tie of the season, a 7-7 draw with the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium.

A few post-game notes:

-- Orioles manager Buck Showalter said today was a tough day for the club. Righthander Willie Eyre left the team before batting practice today because his 3-year-old daughter, Lily, was found in a swimming pool. She was rushed to a local hospital, where X-rays were performed, and is doing OK, but it was definitely a scary situation. Showalter said she had visited the clubhouse yesterday.

-- Nick Markakis, who is scheduled to make his first spring start Wednesday against the Pirates as a designated hitter, is slated to play his first game in right field Tuesday against the Phillies at home. For more on Markakis' return, click HERE.

-- The cryptic news is not good on catcher Taylor Teagarden. He was scheduled to have a CT scan on his ailing lower back this afternoon, that after an MRI on Monday and X-rays earlier. He's going to miss some time, but it's unclear how much. Showalter said he's not worried that Teagarden won't be ready for Opening Day.

That makes Ronny Paulino's arrival -- albeit three weeks late -- very important. Paulino was at DH Tuesday and singled in his first at-bat. Showalter said Paulino isn't yet in good shape but said, "We're going to push him hard," the next few days. With Teagarden's injury, they might have to.

-- For the second straight day, Showalter said that utility man Ryan Flaherty will see time at first base this spring. Flaherty, battling for a super-utility spot with Matt Antonelli and Steve Tolleson, has played shortstop, third base and second base.

"We’ll see," Flaherty said. "I’m just moving all over the place, everywhere in the field. That’s what I want to do. Wherever they want me to play, I will go play. Doesn’t matter."

Flaherty's bat has been impressive. He hit a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.

-- Outfielder Jai Miller continued an impressive spring at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three runs, a three-run homer and two doubles. He also struck out twice. He's hitting .333 (7-for-21) and leads the team in RBIs (seven) and total bases (14) but also leads the team in strikeouts (nine).